Department of Biogeochemistry
Research in the Biogeochemistry department focuses on understanding the interaction of long-lived radionuclides with biosystems. We are interested in the various levels from biomolecules to individual organisms and complex biocoenoses. On the one hand, the aim is to understand the influence of biological systems on the behavior of radionuclides in the environment (release, mobility and bioavailability). On the other hand, we investigate the effects of radionuclides on the metabolism of cells and the whole organism (uptake, accumulation, chemo- and radiotoxicity) and the resulting dangers for us humans.
Using state-of-the-art molecular biological, spectroscopic and microscopic methods, we work in the fields of repository research to improve the long-term safety of a repository for high-level radioactive waste and radioecology to protect humans and the environment from the dangers of naturally and artificially released radionuclides.
In addition to basic research, our aim is to use the knowledge gained to develop innovative remediation methods and improve models to describe the behavior of radionuclides in the environment.
Interested in working with us?
To support our work, we are always looking for students and interns from the fields of biology, chemistry and environmental sciences who either want to write their thesis with us or simply gain practical experience. Are you interested? Then please get in touch to clarify any questions you may have.
Current research topics
- Determination of the microbial diversity in water and soil environments contaminated with heavy metals and radionuclides as well as in different host rocks for potential radioactive waste disposals
- Microbe-radionuclide-interactions with reference strains and isolates
- Interaction of eukaryotic cells with radionuclides and lanthanides in particular with plants, fungi, sponges and algae
- Investigation of the interaction of selected bioligands and model compounds with f-elements
- Characterization of microbial processes affecting the conditions in deep geological repositories for radioactive waste (e.g. transformation of bentonite as barrier material)
- Calculation and determination of the metal speciation relevant to the environment
- Verification and validation of transport models
- Characterization of particles in the environment relevant to the transport of radionuclides
- Investigation of the transport processes of radionuclides by particles (including microbes) in natural water
Latest Publication
In search of phytoremediation candidates: Eu(III) bioassociation and root exudation in hydroponically grown plants
Klotzsche, M.; Dück, V.; Drobot, B.; Vogel, M.; Raff, J.; Stumpf, T.; Steudtner, R.
Abstract
Lanthanides and actinides are emerging contaminants, but little is known about their uptake and distribution by plants and their interactions in the rhizosphere. To better understand the fate of these metals in plants, we assessed the bioassociation of 2, 20 and 200 µM Eu(III) by five hydroponically grown crops endemic to Europe. The metal’s concentration and its speciation was monitored by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and laser spectroscopy, whereas root exudation was investigated by chromatographic methods. It has been shown, that Eu(III) bioassociation is a two-stage process, involving rapid biosorption followed by accumulation in root tissue and distribution to the stem and leaves. Within 96 h of exposure time, the plant induces a change of Eu(III) speciation in the liquid medium, from a predominant Eu(III) aquo species, as calculated by thermodynamic modelling, to a species with longer luminescence lifetime. Root exudates such as citric, malic, and fumaric acid were identified in the cultivation medium and affect Eu(III) speciation in solution, as was shown by a change in the thermodynamic model. These results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the fate of lanthanides in the biosphere and provide a basis for further investigations with the chemical analogues Cm(III) and Am(III).
Keywords: europium; speciation; phytoremediation; bioassociation; laser spectroscopy; lanthanides; hydroponics; plant uptake; root exudates; thermodynamic modelling
Related publications
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Data publication: In search of phytoremediation candidates: Eu(III) …
ROBIS: 39228 HZDR-primary research data are used by this (Id 39219) publication -
Data publication: In search of phytoremediation candidates: Eu(III) …
RODARE: 3027 HZDR-primary research data are used by this (Id 39219) publication
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Minerals 14(2024)8, 754
DOI: 10.3390/min14080754
Permalink: https://www.hzdr.de/publications/Publ-39219
Projects
- RadoNorm: Towards effective radiation protection based on improved scientific evidence and social considerations - focus on radon and NORM, EC project, grant number: 900009, duration: 01.09.2020-31.08.2025
- EURAD-MAGIC, NEA/EU project, grant number: 847593, duration: 01.06.2019-31.05.2024
- EURAD-ConCorD, NEA/EU project, grant number: 847593, duration: 01.06.2021-31.05.2024
- RENA/BMBF project, grant number: 02NUK066A, duration: 01.09.2021-31.08.2024
- PepTight/BMBF project, grant number: 031B1122A, duration: 01.09.2021-31.08.2024
- TRAVARIS/BMBF project, grant number: 15S9437C, duration: 01.11.2022-31.10.2025
- UMB-II/BMWi project, grant number: 02E11870B, duration: 01.01.2021-30.06.2025
- PIANOFORTE/EU project, grant number: 101061037, duration: 01.06.2022-31.05.2027
An overview of completed projects can be found here.
Team
Head | |||||
Name | Bld./Office | +49 351 260 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dr. Johannes Raff | 801/P314 | 2951 | j.raff![]() | ||
Employees | |||||
Name | Bld./Office | +49 351 260 | |||
Rahel Bertheau | 801/P354 | 3138 | |||
Dr. Björn Drobot | 801/P317 | 2895 | b.drobot![]() | ||
Katrin Flemming | 801/P309 | 2958 | k.flemming![]() | ||
Dr. Alix Günther | 801/P256 | 2433 2522 | a.guenther![]() | ||
Max Klotzsche | 801/P306 | 3241 | m.klotzsche![]() | ||
Dr. Evelyn Krawczyk-Bärsch | 801/P252 | 2076 | e.krawczyk-baersch![]() | ||
Raul Eduardo Linares Jimenez | 801/P103 | 2457 | r.linares-jimenez![]() | ||
Julia Marie Mätzkow | 801/P306 | 2860 | j.maetzkow![]() | ||
Dr. Henry Moll | 801/P256 | 2433 2549 | h.moll![]() | ||
Antonio Newman Portela | 801/P103 | 2720 | a.newman-portela![]() | ||
Dr. Susanne Sachs | 801/P208 | 2436 | s.sachs![]() | ||
Jana Seibt | 801/P219 | 3194 2510 | j.seibt![]() | ||
Dr. Robin Steudtner | 801/P317 | 2895 | r.steudtner![]() | ||
Lukas Waurick | 801/P306 | 3241 | l.waurick![]() | ||
Toni Weber | t.weber![]() | ||||
MICRONUC | |||||
Name | Bld./Office | +49 351 260 | |||
Dr. Andrea Cherkouk | 801/P356 | 2989 | a.cherkouk![]() | ||
Sindy Kluge | 801/P219 | 3194 | s.kluge![]() | ||
Dr. Nicole Matschiavelli | 801/P318 | 2759 | n.matschiavelli![]() | ||
Dr. Ting-Shyang Wei | 801/P318 | 2759 | t.wei![]() |